Page 58 of Peach Cobbler Confessions
Noah gives a wistful tick of the head. “Actually, it wasnine. And because of it, Peter Green is a free man.”
It’s true. It turns out, the cup had someone else’s DNA on it—the real killer’s. And that security camera glitch was identified as being a lot longer than a few seconds. The receipts at the register were reexamined, and low and behold there was a single order placed just seconds before that night manager died—and it was for an extra-large soda.
Mom shudders. “And to think they found all of those bodies buried right there on Ridge Porter’s property.”
Noah sighs. “And we wouldn’t have found a single one if it wasn’t for Lottie.”
“I didn’t know where the bodies were buried. I just so happened to stumble upon that treasure chest of grisly souvenirs. Ridge disclosed where the bodies were buried.” I pin my gaze on Noah. “A certain homicide detective winnowed it out of him during intense interrogations.”
A light round of applause breaks out just before Mom and Wiley head over to the dessert table with Alex leading the charge.
Everett comes over and wraps his arms around me for a moment as I bury my face in his strong chest that holds the scent of the man I love.
“Everything all right?” He nods to Noah. “I heard a heroes applause.”
Before Noah can respond, both Suze, Noah’s mother, and Eliza, Everett’s mother, land before us.
Suze lifts her chin and her short blonde hair bounces over her eyes.
“Of course, my son is a hero.” She reaches over and gives him a quick pinch to his cheek. “And he’s untethered from you.” She narrows her eyes my way. Suze is a walking-talking sourpuss, if ever there was one, and I’ve made it a sport of holding my tongue around her. “I hear your womb is barren. Although, I’m certain it won’t be for long. Eliza”—she flits her gaze to her old friend—“it looks as if the reproductive ball is in your son’s court.”
Eliza belts out a laugh. Her dark hair is slicked back into a French twist and her lips are glossed a cheery shade of crimson.
“I would accept whatever the heavens give me. Lottie, you are my official daughter-in-law. I don’t have any problem welcoming a baby Baxter into this world.”
Everett glances my way. I could feel him grow rigid when she mentioned that daughter-in-law thing.
“Actually”—Everett starts—“about the marriage—”
I give his chest a quick scratch, cutting him off.
“We’re working on it.” I shrug up at him. “It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I think everything will turn out just fine.”
Everett closes his eyes a moment, a smile curving on his lips.
“Thank you, Lemon.” He dots a kiss to my cheek before nodding my way. “It will work out just fine.”
Evie runs by with Toby as she and her friends make a mad dash for the dessert tent. The sun has just set and the sky is quickly turning a brilliant shade of navy.
Suze sighs. “Come, Eliza, before the teenagers pick over the chocolate chip cookies.”
They take off and I can’t help but giggle. “I see where you get it, Noah.”
We’re about to join them just as a couple of adorable mamas-to-be waddle their way up along with my sister, Meg.
“Did we miss it?” Lainey says, pressing her hands into her back as her stomach distends like a bullet in front of her.
Keelie moans. “Don’t tell me I hauled myself all the way to Honey Lake, only to find there are no more of your delicious donuts. You don’t know what a craving I’ve had for one of those things, Lottie. I’ve been battling indigestion all day, and I just know your donuts are the cure for it. And if they’re not available, I may never forgive you for this.”
A laugh trembles out of me. “There are plenty up there.”
Meg grunts as she squints over at the dessert tent, “That might as well be a mile for these two. I’ll hop over and make up a plate.”
“A plate?” Lainey harps. “Make it a platter, lady!”
Keelie wrinkles her nose over at Noah and Everett. “So you guys really got the memo about Lottie’s lazy ovaries?”
I make a face. “My ovaries are not lazy. And thankfully, they’re not crazy either.”